attachment- animal studies

Question 1

lorenz
strength- research support, link to understanding of human attachment (3 + 2)

Answer 1

-researchers exposed chicks to simple shape combinations that moved
-a range of different shape combinations were later shown to them- they followed the original one the closest
-young animals are born with innate mechanism to imprint on first large moving object seen within critical period

-humans may acquire imprinting behaviour eg. why people prefer first computer system- struggle to adapt
-lorenz’s research is valuable in understanding some human attachment behaviours

Question 2

lorenz
limitation- generalising, link to understanding of human attachment (3 + 2)

Answer 2

-mammalian attachment system is different and more complex than birds
-mammals attach in 2-way process- both baby+mother show attachment, not just baby
-animal extrapolation- cant generalise findings as humans are too biologically different

-humans critical period of 2.5 years- research isnt applicable
-imprinting explanation is of limited value

Question 3

harlow
strength- real world application, link to understanding of human attachment (2 + 2)

Answer 3

-helped social workers understand lack of bonding impacts children development- they can intervene to help
-helps support zoo monkeys

-supports bowlby- both studies identify need for mother figures
-in humans, not forming an attachment within 2.5 years has a detrimental impact on lives eg. affectionless psychopathy (links to harlow’s findings)

Question 4

harlow
limitation- generalising (3)

Answer 4

-monkeys are more simliar to humans than lorenz’s goslings, but its still too different
-although all mammals share common attachment behaviours, human brain+behaviour is still more complex
-cant generalise findings